# NTSB LAX83LA146: Rockwell S-2R, N4187X, Corcoran, CA, March 17, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 16, 1983, 16:05 local (Mar 17, 1983, 00:05 UTC)
- Place: Corcoran, CA
- Location: 36.0840° N, 119.5612° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Corcoran, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.0840&lon=-119.5612&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23646
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83LA146
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23646/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA146

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - aborted takeoff - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lift-off - premature, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stall/mush - uncontrolled, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)
- Main gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - landing gear,main gear - overload (contributing factor)

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO THE PLT, HE WAS TAKING OFF IN A X-WIND CONDITION & ALLOWED THE ACFT TO DRIFT OFF THE DUSTER STRIP. HE STATED THAT HE DECIDED TO CONTINUE THE TAKEOFF BECAUSE OF SOFT GROUND. THE ACFT LIFTED OFF, THEN SETTLED & THE GEAR STRUCK A LEVEE. THE PLANE CONTINUED TO FLY. THE PLT RELEASED THE LOAD & LANDED, BUT AFTER TOUCHING DOWN, THE RIGHT MAIN GEAR COLLAPSED. APRX 31 MI SOUTH AT VISALIA, CA, THE 1701 PST WIND WAS FROM 340 DEG AT 5 KTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4187X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4187X-2013-04-17), registration cancelled 2013-04-17, S/N 1949R, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Rockwell S-2R
- Registry model: [Rockwell International S-2R](https://openairdocs.org/model/rockwell-international-s-2r) (registry code 7630202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1945R
- Engines: P&W PT6A-34AG 750 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Westside Ag Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, March 8, 1983
- Departed: CORCORAN, CA
- Airport: None

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 950 in this make and model, 9,500 as pilot in command, 65 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 55 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: VIS, 31 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19830316010249A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830316010249A), Mar 16, 1983: Ayres S2RRESTD, Corcoran, CA, Substantial damage. During premature lift off right gear was damaged after hitting levee. Gear collapsed during landing.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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